Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ní seachtain na Nollag í seo. Seo seachtain Fhéile Phádraig.

I thank Senator O'Donovan for raising this issue as it provides me with an opportunity to update the House on the matter. As the Senator is aware, Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to appropriate quality long-term residential care, including the provision of financial assistance under the nursing homes support scheme. In 2012, with a budget of almost ¤1 billion, financial support was provided to over 22,000 people in nursing homes. The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including those at facilities such as Schull Community Hospital in Cork.

Schull Community Hospital is located in the Mizen peninsula which, as the Senator will be aware, has a higher than average number of older people per head of population. It is expected that the demand for beds at the hospital will continue to grow. The hospital, registered with HIQA for a period of three years, with effect from 25 June 2012, provides 21 residential, respite, convalescent and palliative care beds. A plan has been developed to bring the hospital to full compliance with HIQA standards. This is set out in three phases, with an estimated total cost of ¤2.5 million. Phase 1, with an investment of ¤1.3 million was completed last month. The contract provided for new accommodation for 14 residents and refurbished accommodation for seven residents.

In addition, the completed works ensured the hospital achieved a certificate of fire compliance. The Health Service Executive was the main funder of this development, with the Friends of Schull Community Hospital contributing towards fit-out and decoration.

Current constraints on public sector staffing and recruitment, the ongoing need to meet service and safety standards and severe financial constraints pose challenges for community nursing units. My Department is working closely with the Health Service Executive to develop an overall plan which will seek to protect the viability of as many units as possible within the funding and staffing resources available. The estates department of the HSE is undertaking a review of all facilities to establish their state of readiness for the registration requirements of the Health Information and Quality Authority after 2015. Plans will be reviewed and prioritised taking into account staffing available, the demand for services and provision in the area, the extent of works required and available capital funding. Phases 2 and 3 at Schull will be considered in this context. However, owing to the works carried out to date, Schull Community Hospital is well positioned, with much less work required, to secure registration after 2015.

Every effort will be made to ensure the highest standards of care will continue to be provided for all residents in a safe and secure environment and we meet the needs of those who need our services in the best way possible. I again thank the Senator for raising this matter.